How to Identify the Komodo Dragon

The Komodo dragon is the largest lizard on earth and is one of the few lizards that are a genuine danger to human beings. On the islands of Indonesia, these huge lizards are at the very top of the food chain. With mouths teeming with bacteria, one bite from this lizard could be fatal to a person. Knowing how to identify this lizard is very important if you are going to be anywhere they are found.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Binoculars

1. Know where you might run into a Komodo dragon. The Komodo dragon is found on the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Flores, and a number of other small islands. While they are considered to be threatened, they have seen a resurgence in recent years. Any island in Indonesia can potentially house this top predator.

2. Realize just how large the Komodo dragon can be. The Komodo dragon is like no other lizard in the world. It can grow up to 10 feet in length and weigh in excess of 150 pounds; this is not a typical lizard. The Komodo dragon is incredibly agile considering its size.

3. Observe the Komodo dragon's typical lizard behavior. The Komodo dragon is much like other lizards only much larger and dangerous. It will typically feed on dead animals that it can locate with an incredible sense of smell. Even from miles away, a Komodo dragon can hunt down and feed on a dead or dying animal. The Komodo also will ambush prey by waiting for it to enter a "kill zone," then charging the prey. It delivers a lethal bite to the prey by attacking the neck area or belly.

4. See the Komodo dragon's long claws and powerful tail. These are the Komodo dragon's most important weapons. The tail of the Komodo dragon is powerful and can be used as a weapon to swipe at prey. The claws of a Komodo dragon are razor sharp and can also be used to tear meat. The biggest weapon for the Komodo dragon, however, is its spit. The Komodo has a viral bacteria in its saliva that will make any mammal very sick and die. If the prey is to large, it will bite and then follow the prey until it dies from the viral bacteria.

5. Realize the Komodo dragon is lightening quick, despite its lumbering appearance. Over short distances, the Komodo dragon can run at speeds in excess of 12 mph. They will sit inside of the burrows dug by their strong claws and then leap out to ambush deer as well as any other prey that happens by. These burrows also serve as the Komodo dragon's sleeping area.

6. Notice that the Komodo dragon is gray with a very stout build. The Komodo dragon will never be mistaken for anything else, as it is far larger than any other lizard. It has a rounded snout and mouth with razor sharp teeth. Also, the Komodo dragon has a long forked yellow tongue that it flicks incessantly.

Tips & Warnings

• Always observe the Komodo dragon at a distance using binoculars.
• Never approach a Komodo dragon.
• If you are visiting an island where Komodo dragons exist, be sure to have a guide.